A hiker looking out at Svartisen Glacier
svartisen-weber-christina
Norway ornes Svartisen Glacier Summer HGR 163717 1920 Photo Andrea Klaussner

Get up close to Svartisen, Norway's second-largest glacier, on this guided bus and boat excursion from Ørnes.

Highlights

Enjoy a guided bus ride in picturesque surroundings

Take a short boat trip across a fjord

Visit the Svartisen Tourist Center

Pass by the world’s most powerful tidal current,

How it works

In Ørnes, we’ll board a bus for a guided tour to the small village of Holandsvik, passing gorgeous scenery on the way and learning more about the surrounding area. At Holandsvik, we’ll board a boat for a 10-minute ride across the fjord. 

You’ll now arrive at the Svartisen Tourist Center which has prime views of the nearby glacier. At approximately 370 square kilometres, Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier after the Jostedal Glacier.  

Despite being the lowest lying glacier on the European continent before the last Ice Age retreat, Svartisen has some 60 tongues of ice extending from its main body into the surrounding mountain landscape, which is home to several peaks over 1,500 metres high.  

At the centre, you can also enjoy a warm drink and a buffet of delicious cakes. Afterwards, continue your journey along the coast of Helgeland back to Bodø. On the way, you’ll pass Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Before you book

Activity level

Moderate: Some mobility needed

Group size

Groups up to 40 guests

Availability

Summer

Transport

Boat

Food & drink

Coffee / Tea, Pastry / Cake / Chocolate

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Good to know

The tour is not suitable for persons with limited mobility We will not go all the way up to the glacier

Voyages with this excursion

This excursion is available on selected Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.

Available: Summer

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Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions our guests ask most often

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.